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Ashland Inc. reports preliminary Q4 results: 91 cents EPS from continuing operations; adjusted EPS of $1.05 excluding key items

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COVINGTON, Ky., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced preliminary(1) results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2010, the fourth quarter of its 2010 fiscal year.

Quarterly Highlights



                                               Quarter           Quarter
    (in millions except per-share amounts)      Ended             Ended
                                              Sept. 30,         Sept. 30,
    --------------------------------------       2010              2009
                                             ----------        ----------
    Operating income                                $106              $133
    Key items*                                        23                 9
                                                     ---               ---
      Adjusted operating income*                    $129              $142

    Adjusted EBITDA*                                $201              $224

    Diluted earnings per share (EPS)
      From net income                              $0.96             $1.22

      From continuing operations                   $0.91             $1.30
      Key items*                                    0.14             (0.34)
                                                    ----             -----
          Adjusted EPS from continuing
           operations*                             $1.05             $0.96

    Cash flows provided by operating
     activities                                     $220              $378
       from continuing operations
    Free cash flow*                                  102               305

    * See Tables 5, 6 and 7 for definitions and U.S. GAAP
     reconciliations.
    -----------------------------------------------------

Fiscal Fourth-Quarter GAAP(2) Results

For its 2010 fourth quarter, Ashland reported sales of $2,382 million, operating income of $106 million, income from continuing operations of $72 million (91 cents per share) and net income of $76 million (96 cents per share). Net income included income from discontinued operations of $4 million aftertax (5 cents per share). Cash flows provided by operating activities from continuing operations amounted to $220 million.

Adjusted Results

Adjusting for the impact of key items in both the current and prior-year quarters, Ashland's results for the September 2010 quarter as compared with the September 2009 quarter were as follows:

    --  sales increased 13 percent to $2,382 million;
    --  adjusted operating income was $129 million versus $142 million in the
        prior year;
    --  adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
        (EBITDA) were $201 million versus $224 million a year ago; and
    --  adjusted EPS from continuing operations grew 9 percent to $1.05.

Key Items

In total, three key items had a net unfavorable EPS impact on continuing operations of 14 cents in the September 2010 quarter:

    --  a $15 million (19 cents negative EPS impact) aftertax expense for
        severance and accelerated depreciation related to capacity reductions at
        Ashland Performance Materials;
    --  a $4 million (5 cents negative EPS impact) aftertax charge for
        environmental remediation assessments related to Ashland Distribution;
        and
    --  an $8 million (10 cents positive EPS impact) aftertax benefit from
        favorable tax adjustments related to previous acquisitions and
        divestitures.

In the year-ago quarter, four key items combined for a net favorable impact on earnings of 34 cents per share. Refer to Table 5 of the accompanying financial statements for details of key items in both periods.

Results also included noncash intangible amortization expense of $17 million pretax in the September 2010 quarter and $22 million pretax in the 2009 September quarter. Amounts in both periods primarily reflect the addition of intangible assets from the Hercules acquisition.

Performance Summary

Commenting on Ashland's annual results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. O'Brien said, "Ashland delivered strong results for our fiscal 2010, with Ashland Consumer Markets, which is our Valvoline business, achieving another record year and all of our commercial units contributing to our earnings growth. Free cash flow of $276 million for the fiscal year was particularly strong in light of the buildup of working capital to support our business growth."

Continuing, O'Brien commented on Ashland's adjusted results for the September 2010 quarter, "It was a very challenging quarter. Despite double-digit sales growth, raw-material cost pressures continued to temper margins. All of our commercial units did achieve year-over-year volume and sales increases, on a comparable basis, and despite the challenges, Ashland generated just over $200 million of EBITDA in the quarter.

"Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies and Ashland Consumer Markets continued to experience raw-material cost pressures, resulting in significant margin compression in the September quarter. Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Distribution delivered solid quarters, benefiting from a relatively stable cost environment that enabled previous pricing actions to recover margins.

"While we have been successful in both maintaining SG&A and increasing volumes and sales, this was not enough to offset temporary gross margin compression during the quarter. Our businesses continue to implement price increases, where appropriate, to offset raw material inflation, but as we've said before, it can take, on average, three to four months to fully recover costs. Once raw materials stabilize, our pricing actions should enable margin recovery, as demonstrated by Performance Materials and Distribution in the September quarter."

Business Performance

In order to aid understanding of Ashland's ongoing business performance, the results of Ashland's business segments are presented on an adjusted basis and EBITDA is reconciled to operating income in Table 7 of this news release.

Functional Ingredients recorded sales of $239 million in the September 2010 quarter. Excluding amounts associated with the Pinova business divested in January 2010, sales improved 11 percent over the September 2009 quarter and increased 5 percent sequentially, with various key products remaining in a sold-out position. Excluding Pinova, volumes increased 15 percent over the prior-year quarter and 3 percent sequentially. Gross profit as a percent of sales was 28.7 percent in the September 2010 quarter versus 35.6 percent in the September 2009 quarter. The decline in gross profit margin largely reflects a combination of raw material inflation and higher freight costs as a result of more expedited shipments due to capacity constraints. This margin compression is expected to be temporary as pricing actions continue to be implemented and new capacity comes online. Improvements in selling, general and administrative and research and development (SG&A) expenses were not enough to offset margin compression. In total, Functional Ingredients' EBITDA in the September 2010 quarter decreased 23 percent versus the prior September quarter, to $43 million, and was 26 percent below the immediately prior quarter. EBITDA for the September 2010 quarter equaled 18.0 percent of sales as compared with 23.6 percent in the prior September quarter and 25.6 percent in the June 2010 quarter.

Water Technologies' sales were $462 million in the September 2010 quarter. Excluding the Drew Marine business sold in August 2009, sales grew 4 percent over the year-ago quarter and 7 percent sequentially. Gross profit as a percent of sales of 31.7 percent was 500 basis points below the year-ago quarter and 200 points below the June quarter. These declines reflect persistent inflation in raw material costs and higher freight costs in the September 2010 quarter. In total, Water Technologies' EBITDA of $40 million was 39 percent below the prior-year quarter and down 17 percent sequentially. EBITDA amounted to 8.7 percent of sales in the September 2010 quarter, as compared with 14.2 percent in the prior-year quarter and 11.1 percent in the June 2010 quarter.

Performance Materials achieved sales growth of 32 percent over the year-ago September quarter, to $353 million. Excluding the results of Ara Quimica, the former Brazilian composites joint venture, of which Ashland acquired its partner's 50-percent interest in April, sales still increased 26 percent over the prior-year quarter. On this same basis, volume per day increased 20 percent over the September 2009 quarter. Volume growth was broad-based across all regions and markets, with the Casting Solutions business posting the largest gains. Sequentially, sales declined just 1 percent and volume declined 4 percent, reflecting the seasonality of some of Performance Materials' end markets. Sales declined less than volume, benefiting from previous pricing actions. At 17.6 percent, which excludes key items, gross profit as a percent of sales was 10 basis points above the year-ago quarter and 90 points above the June 2010 quarter, as raw material costs largely stabilized. Through the end of the September quarter, Performance Materials recovered approximately 80 percent to 85 percent of cost increases through its pricing actions. In total, EBITDA of $26 million more than doubled over the September 2009 quarter and was an 8-percent increase sequentially. EBITDA as a percent of sales was 7.4 percent, 290 basis points above the year-ago quarter and a 70-point increase sequentially.

Consumer Markets' sales of $462 million increased 12 percent over the year-ago September quarter, and total lubricant volume increased by 4 percent. Sales growth was strongest in the Do-It-Yourself and international market channels at 16 percent and 14 percent, respectively, over the September 2009 quarter. Valvoline Instant Oil Change also contributed to sales growth, with same-store sales increasing 10 percent. Sequentially, sales were flat, while lubricant volume declined 4 percent, as price increases offset the seasonal decline in volume. Gross profit as a percent of sales declined to 28.9 percent in the September 2010 quarter versus 35.5 percent in the year-ago quarter and 32.4 percent in the June 2010 quarter. While Consumer Markets has raised prices to recover increased raw material costs, the lag in implementation led to the temporary margin compression. Consumer Markets' previously announced price increases began to offset higher base-oil costs as the September quarter came to an end, and gross margins in the month of October are running at approximately 31 percent to 32 percent. SG&A expenses rose 2 percent over the year-ago quarter and 4 percent sequentially. In total, Consumer Markets' September 2010 quarter EBITDA was $61 million, a decline of 23 percent from the year-ago quarter and 26 percent sequentially, and the EBITDA margin was 13.2 percent.

Ashland Distribution's sales for the September 2010 quarter increased 18 percent over the year-ago quarter, to $911 million, but were down 1 percent sequentially. Volume per day increased 3 percent over the September 2009 quarter and was roughly flat with the June 2010 quarter, due to typical seasonality in a number of end markets. Gross profit as a percent of sales of 9.4 percent in the September 2010 quarter increased 60 basis points over the prior-year quarter and 40 basis points sequentially, reflecting continued pricing management. SG&A expenses rose 2 percent versus the prior-year quarter, but declined 4 percent sequentially. In total, EBITDA for the September 2010 quarter more than doubled over the prior-year quarter, to $30 million, and grew 25 percent sequentially. The EBITDA margin of 3.3 percent reflected a 170-basis-point increase over the year-ago quarter and was up 70 points sequentially.

After excluding key items, Ashland's effective tax rate for the September 2010 quarter was 22 percent, reflecting the net favorable effect of a number of small, discrete tax items. It is important to note that events in any given quarter can cause significant fluctuation in the effective tax rate for that quarter.

Outlook

Commenting on Ashland's outlook, O'Brien said, "Each of our commercial units continues to take steps to improve their positions both strategically and financially. The completion of our Nanjing, China, expansion should help relieve Functional Ingredients' capacity constraints and enable us to capture strong growth and customer demand in China and the surrounding Asia Pacific region. Functional Ingredients' previously announced price increases of 5 percent to 8 percent should lead to margin levels more consistent with historical norms. Water Technologies is taking aggressive pricing actions to recover margins, with its most recent price increase of 5 percent to 15 percent announced last week, covering its North American product lines. Performance Materials remains highly leveraged to a returning economy and is focused on maintaining cost reductions achieved, while seeking growth in higher margin markets. Consumer Markets has completed two consecutive outstanding years and should continue to drive this new level of performance. Distribution remains focused on quality volume improvement, and the 3.3 percent EBITDA margin achieved in the September quarter represents good progress toward our midcycle target of 4 percent for this business.

"Over the past two years, we have reconstructed Ashland on a cost-effective and strong cash-generating base that is highly leverageable to an economic recovery. As we go into 2011, we are well-positioned as a world-class specialty chemicals company, with a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity to implement our growth strategies. We expect to build upon our successes from 2010 and achieve further progress in fiscal 2011."

Conference Call Webcast

Today at 9 a.m. EDT, Ashland will provide a live webcast of its fourth-quarter conference call with securities analysts. The webcast will be accessible through Ashland's website, www.ashland.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast will be available for 12 months at http://investor.ashland.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

This news release includes certain non-GAAP measures. Such measurements are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be construed as an alternative to reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management believes the use of such non-GAAP measures assists investors in understanding the ongoing operating performance of the company and its segments. The non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies. All non-GAAP information is reconciled with reported GAAP results in Tables 5, 6 and 7 of the financial statements provided below.

About Ashland

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is used every day in applications from automotive, food and beverages, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and paper and tissue to durable goods and infrastructure, including building and construction, energy and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our five commercial units - Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions, including those mentioned within this news release. Performance estimates are also based upon internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends (including the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases); management plans and strategies; operating efficiencies and economic conditions; and legal proceedings and claims (including environmental and asbestos matters). Other risks and uncertainties include those that are described in filings made by Ashland with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q, which are available on Ashland's website at http://investor.ashland.com or at www.sec.gov. Ashland believes its expectations are reasonable, but cannot assure they will be achieved. Forward-looking information may prove to be inaccurate, and actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated. Ashland is not obligated to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this news release.

(1) Preliminary Results

Financial results are preliminary until Ashland's annual report on Form 10-K is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

(2) Generally accepted accounting principles (U.S.)


    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                      Table 1
    STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
    (In millions except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)

                             Three months ended          Year ended
                                September 30            September 30
                                ------------            ------------
                                2010             2009    2010          2009
                                ----             ----    ----          ----

    SALES                     $2,382           $2,113  $9,012        $8,106

    COSTS AND EXPENSES
      Cost of sales (a)        1,903            1,601   7,012         6,317
      Selling, general and
       administrative
       expenses (a)              360              365   1,399         1,341
      Research and
       development expenses
       (b)                        23               23      86            96
                                 ---              ---     ---           ---
                               2,286            1,989   8,497         7,754
    EQUITY AND OTHER
     INCOME                       10                9      51            38
                                 ---              ---     ---           ---

    OPERATING INCOME             106              133     566           390
      Net interest and other
       financing expense (c)     (27)             (60)   (197)         (205)
      Net gain on
       acquisitions and
       divestitures (d)            4               57      21            59
      Other income and
       expenses (e)                1                -       2           (86)
                                 ---              ---     ---           ---
    INCOME FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS
      BEFORE INCOME TAXES         84              130     392           158
      Income tax expense          12               32      91            80
                                 ---              ---     ---           ---
    INCOME FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS                   72               98     301            78
      Income (loss) from
       discontinued
       operations (net of
       income taxes)               4               (5)     31            (7)
                                 ---              ---     ---           ---
    NET INCOME                   $76              $93    $332           $71
                                 ===              ===    ====           ===

    DILUTED EARNINGS PER
     SHARE
      Income from continuing
       operations               $.91            $1.30   $3.79         $1.07
      Income (loss) from
       discontinued
       operations                .05             (.08)    .39          (.11)
      Net income                $.96            $1.22   $4.18          $.96
                                ====            =====   =====          ====

    AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
     AND ASSUMED
     CONVERSIONS                  80               76      79            73

    SALES
      Functional Ingredients    $239             $237    $915          $812
      Water Technologies         462              465   1,785         1,652
      Performance Materials      353              268   1,286         1,106
      Consumer Markets           462              414   1,755         1,650
      Distribution               911              771   3,419         3,020
      Intersegment sales         (45)             (42)   (148)         (134)
                              $2,382           $2,113  $9,012        $8,106
                              ======           ======  ======        ======
    OPERATING INCOME
     (LOSS)
      Functional Ingredients     $19              $22    $115           $36
      Water Technologies          19               40     114            78
      Performance Materials       (2)              (5)     23             1
      Consumer Markets            52               72     262           252
      Distribution                17                8      55            52
      Unallocated and other        1               (4)     (3)          (29)
                                                  ---
                                $106             $133    $566          $390
                                ====             ====    ====          ====

    (a)  The three months and year ended September 30, 2010 include $17
    million within the cost of sales caption for a restructuring charge
    related to a reorganization within the Performance Materials
    segment.  The three months and year ended September 30, 2009 include
    $4 million and $17 million, respectively, within the cost of sales
    caption and $19 million and $58 million, respectively, within the
    selling, general and administrative expenses caption for
    restructuring charges related to the integration and reorganization
    from the Hercules Incorporated (Hercules) acquisition and other cost
    reduction programs.  In addition, a charge of $37 million for the
    year ended September 30, 2009 was recorded for a one-time fair
    value assessment of Hercules inventory as of the date of the
    transaction.
    (b)  The year ended September 30, 2009 includes a $10 million charge
    related to the original valuation of the ongoing research and
    development projects at Hercules as of the merger date.  In
    accordance with applicable GAAP and SEC accounting regulations,
    these purchased in-process research and development costs were
    expensed as recognized.
    (c)  The year ended September 30, 2010 includes a $66 million charge
    related to the refinancing of the Senior Credit Facility and related
    extinguishment of debt.
    (d)  The year ended September 30, 2010 includes a $23 million gain
    related to Ashland's acquisition of the additional 50% interest in
    Ara Quimica S.A. (Ara Quimica). The three months and year ended
    September 30, 2009 include a $56 million gain related to the sale of
    Ashland's interest in Drew Marine, a division within Ashland
    Hercules Water Technologies.
    (e)  The year ended September 30, 2009 includes a $54 million loss on
    currency swaps related to the Hercules acquisition and a $32 million
    realized loss on auction rate securities.

    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries     Table 2
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)


                                                 September 30
                                                 ------------
                                                 2010             2009
                                                 ----             ----
    ASSETS
      Current assets
        Cash and cash equivalents                $417             $352
        Accounts receivable                     1,608            1,392
        Inventories                               644              527
        Deferred income taxes                     112              118
        Other assets                               52               48
        Current assets held for sale                -               41
                                                  ---              ---
                                                2,833            2,478

      Noncurrent assets
        Auction rate securities                    22              170
        Goodwill                                2,228            2,220
        Intangibles                             1,113            1,181
        Asbestos insurance receivable             459              510
        Deferred income taxes                     336              310
        Other assets                              513              619
        Noncurrent assets held for sale             9               52
                                                  ---              ---
                                                4,680            5,062

      Property, plant and equipment
        Cost                                    3,537            3,459
        Accumulated depreciation and
         amortization                          (1,519)          (1,392)
                                                2,018            2,067
                                                -----            -----

      Total assets                             $9,531           $9,607
                                               ======           ======

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
     EQUITY
      Current liabilities
        Short-term debt                           $71              $23
        Current portion of long-term
         debt                                      45               53
        Trade and other payables                1,043              973
        Accrued expenses and other
         liabilities                              528              523
        Current liabilities held for
         sale                                       -                5
                                                  ---              ---
                                                1,687            1,577

      Noncurrent liabilities
        Long-term debt                          1,108            1,537
        Employee benefit obligations            1,372            1,214
        Asbestos litigation reserve               841              956
        Deferred income taxes                     145              149
        Other liabilities                         575              590
                                                  ---              ---
                                                4,041            4,446
                                                -----            -----

      Stockholders' equity                      3,803            3,584
                                                -----            -----

      Total liabilities and
       stockholders' equity                    $9,531           $9,607
                                               ======           ======

    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 3
    STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                                                        Year ended
                                                       September 30
                                                       ------------
                                                    2010              2009
                                                    ----              ----
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING
     ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Net income                                    $332               $71
      (Income) loss from discontinued operations
       (net of income taxes)                         (31)                7
      Adjustments to reconcile income from
       continuing operations to
        cash flows from operating activities
        Depreciation and amortization                304               329
        Debt issuance cost amortization               81                52
        Purchased in-process research and
         development amortization                      -                10
        Deferred income taxes                          9                12
        Equity income from affiliates                (19)              (14)
        Distributions from equity affiliates          17                15
        Gain from sale of property and equipment      (6)               (2)
        Stock based compensation expense              14                 9
        Stock contributions to qualified savings
         plans                                        22                13
        Net gain on acquisitions and divestitures    (21)              (59)
        Loss on early retirement of debt               5                 -
        Inventory fair value adjustment related to
         Hercules acquisition                          -                37
        Loss on currency swaps related to Hercules
         acquisition                                   -                54
        (Gain) loss on auction rate securities        (2)               32
        Change in operating assets and liabilities
         (a)                                       (188)               461
                                                    ----               ---
                                                     517             1,027
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING
     ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Additions to property, plant and equipment   (206)              (174)
      Proceeds from disposal of property, plant
       and equipment                                  18                47
      Purchase of operations -net of cash
       acquired                                      (23)           (2,080)
      Proceeds from sale of operations                64               114
      Settlement of currency swaps related to
       Hercules acquisition                            -               (95)
      Proceeds from sales and maturities of
       available-for-sale securities                 150                73
                                                     ---               ---
                                                       3            (2,115)
    CASH FLOWS (USED) PROVIDED BY FINANCING
     ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
      Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt       334             2,628
      Repayment of long-term debt                  (780)            (1,862)
      Proceeds from/repayments of issuance of
       short-term debt                                48               (19)
      Debt issuance costs                            (13)             (162)
      Cash dividends paid                            (35)              (22)
      Proceeds from exercise of stock options          6                 9
      Excess tax benefits related to share-
       based payments                                  5                 1
                                                     ---               ---
                                                   (435)               573
                                                    ----               ---
    CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS                                       85              (515)
      Cash used by discontinued operations
        Operating cash flows                         (10)               (2)
      Effect of currency exchange rate changes
       on cash and cash equivalents                  (10)              (17)
                                                     ---               ---
    INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
     EQUIVALENTS                                      65              (534)
    Cash and cash equivalents -beginning of
     year                                            352               886
                                                     ---               ---
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD       $417              $352
                                                    ====              ====

    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
      Functional Ingredients                         $99              $101
      Water Technologies                              88                94
      Performance Materials                           53                63
      Consumer Markets                                36                36
      Distribution                                    28                28
      Unallocated and other                            -                 7
                                                     ---               ---
                                                    $304              $329
                                                    ====              ====
    ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
      Functional Ingredients                         $75               $58
      Water Technologies                              32                26
      Performance Materials                           29                27
      Consumer Markets                                39                33
      Distribution                                    14                 8
      Unallocated and other                           17                22
                                                     ---               ---
                                                    $206              $174
                                                    ====              ====

    (a)  Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.

    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Table 4
    INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                               Three months ended          Year ended
                                  September 30            September 30
                                  ------------            ------------
                                2010           2009   2010           2009
                                ----           ----   ----           ----
    FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS
     (a) (b)
      Sales per shipping day    $3.7           $3.7   $3.6           $3.7
      Metric tons sold
       (thousands)              42.8           42.0  163.6          154.1
      Gross profit as a
       percent of sales (c)     28.7%          35.6%  33.7%          26.7%
    WATER TECHNOLOGIES (a)
     (b)
      Sales per shipping day    $7.2           $7.3   $7.1           $6.6
      Gross profit as a
       percent of sales (c)     31.7%          36.7%  34.1%          33.9%
    PERFORMANCE MATERIALS
     (a)
      Sales per shipping day    $5.5           $4.2   $5.1           $4.4
      Pounds sold per shipping
       day                       4.8            3.9    4.5            3.9
      Gross profit as a
       percent of sales         12.8%          16.0%  16.0%          17.0%
    CONSUMER MARKETS (a)
      Lubricant sales
       (gallons)                44.2           42.4  174.3          158.8
      Premium lubricants
       (percent of U.S.
       branded volumes)         30.2%          27.2%  29.6%          28.2%
      Gross profit as a
       percent of sales         28.9%          35.5%  32.0%          32.0%
    DISTRIBUTION (a)
      Sales per shipping day   $14.2          $12.1  $13.6          $12.0
      Pounds sold per shipping
       day                      15.3           14.9   15.1           14.7
      Gross profit as a
       percent of sales (d)      9.4%           8.8%   9.3%          10.0%

    (a)  Sales are defined as net sales.  Gross profit as a percent of
    sales is defined as sales, less cost of sales divided by sales.
    (b)  Industry segment results from November 14, 2008 forward include
    operations acquired from Hercules Incorporated.
    (c)  During 2009, year-to-date results were affected in Functional
    Ingredients and Water Technologies by $30 million and $7 million,
    respectively, due to a one-time fair value assessment of Hercules
    inventory.
    (d)  Distribution's gross profit as a percentage of sales for the
    three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 include a LIFO
    quantity charge of $2 million and credit of $1 million,
    respectively, and charge of $2 million and credit of $15 million for
    the twelve months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


                                                                       Table 5
    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                                  Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

                            Functional       Water     Performance  Consumer
                            Ingredients   Technologies  Materials   Markets
                            -----------   ------------  ---------   -------
    OPERATING INCOME
     (LOSS)
      Severance             $      -    $      -       $(11)      $   -
      Accelerated
       depreciation/
       impairment                  -           -         (6)          -
      Environmental reserve
       adjustment                  -           -          -           -
      All other operating
       income                     19          19         15          52
                                 ---         ---        ---         ---
      Operating income            19          19         (2)         52

    NET INTEREST AND OTHER
     FINANCING EXPENSE

    NET GAIN ON
     ACQUISITIONS AND
     DIVESTITURES

    OTHER INCOME

    INCOME TAX (EXPENSE)
     BENEFIT
      Previous acquisition
       and divestiture
       adjustments
      All other income tax
       expense



    INCOME (LOSS) FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS       $19         $19        $(2)        $52
                                 ===         ===        ===         ===




                                                        Unallocated
                                           Distribution   & Other   Total
                                           ------------   -------   -----
    OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
      Severance                            $      -     $    -     $(11)
      Accelerated depreciation/impairment         -          -       (6)
      Environmental reserve adjustment           (6)         -       (6)
      All other operating income                 23          1      129
                                                ---        ---      ---
      Operating income                           17          1      106

    NET INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING
     EXPENSE                                               (27)     (27)

    NET GAIN ON ACQUISITIONS AND
     DIVESTITURES                                            4        4

    OTHER INCOME                                             1        1

    INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT
      Previous acquisition and divestiture
       adjustments                                           8        8
      All other income tax expense                         (20)     (20)
                                                           ---      ---
                                                           (12)     (12)


    INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS                                 $17       $(33)     $72
                                                ===       ====      ===


                                  Three Months Ended September 30, 2009


                             Functional     Water     Performance  Consumer
                             Ingredients Technologies  Materials   Markets
                             ----------- ------------  ---------   -------
    OPERATING INCOME
     (LOSS)
      Severance                   $(9)      $(2)      $(5)      $   -
      Self-insurance
       reserve adjustment           -         3         4           3
      Accelerated
       depreciation                 -         -        (3)          -
      All other operating
       income                      31        39        (1)         69
                                  ---       ---       ---         ---
      Operating income             22        40        (5)         72

    NET GAIN ON
     DIVESTITURES
      Drew Marine
       divestiture
      All other divestitures

    NET INTEREST AND OTHER
     FINANCING EXPENSE
      Fees and amortization
       related to debt
       retirements
      All other net interest
       and other financing
       expense

    INCOME TAX EXPENSE
      Income tax on key
       items
      All other income tax
       expense



    INCOME (LOSS) FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS        $22       $40       $(5)        $72
                                  ===       ===       ===         ===




                                                          Unallocated
                                            Distribution   & Other    Total
                                            ------------   -------    -----
    OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
      Severance                                  $(1)        $(3)    $(20)
      Self-insurance reserve adjustment            4           -       14
      Accelerated depreciation                     -           -       (3)
      All other operating income                   5          (1)     142
                                                 ---         ---      ---
      Operating income                             8          (4)     133

    NET GAIN ON DIVESTITURES
      Drew Marine divestiture                                 56       56
      All other divestitures                                   1        1
                                                             ---      ---
                                                              57       57
    NET INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING
     EXPENSE
      Fees and amortization related to debt
       retirements                                            (9)      (9)
      All other net interest and other
       financing expense                                     (51)     (51)
                                                             ---      ---
                                                             (60)     (60)
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE
      Income tax on key items                                (12)     (12)
      All other income tax expense                           (20)     (20)
                                                             ---      ---
                                                             (32)     (32)


    INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING
     OPERATIONS                                   $8        $(39)     $98
                                                 ===        ====      ===

    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 6
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - FREE CASH FLOW
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                                     Three months
                                         ended             Year ended
                                     September 30         September 30
                                     ------------         ------------
    Free cash flow                 2010         2009 2010           2009
    --------------                 ----         ---- ----           ----
    Total cash flows provided by
     operating activities
      from continuing operations   $220         $378 $517         $1,027
    Less:
      Additions to property, plant
       and equipment                106           67  206            174
      Cash dividends paid            12            6   35             22
                                    ---          ---  ---            ---
    Free cash flows                $102         $305 $276           $831
                                   ====         ==== ====           ====

    Ashland Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                 Table 7
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - ADJUSTED EBITDA
    (In millions - preliminary and unaudited)

                                                       Three months ended
                                                          September 30
                                                          ------------
    Adjusted EBITDA - Ashland Inc.                      2010           2009
    ------------------------------                      ----           ----
    Operating income                                    $106           $133
    Add:
            Depreciation and amortization (a)             72             82
            Key items (see Table 5)                       23              9
                                                         ---            ---
    Adjusted EBITDA                                     $201           $224
                                                        ====           ====


    Adjusted EBITDA -Ashland Aqualon
     Functional Ingredients
    --------------------------------
    Operating income                                     $19            $22
    Add:
            Depreciation and amortization                 24             25
            Key items (see Table 5)                        -              9
                                                         ---            ---
    Adjusted EBITDA                                      $43            $56
                                                         ===            ===


    Adjusted EBITDA - Water Technologies
    ------------------------------------
    Operating income                                     $19            $40
    Add:
            Depreciation and amortization                 21             27
            Key items (see Table 5)                        -             (1)
                                                         ---            ---
    Adjusted EBITDA                                      $40            $66
                                                         ===            ===


    Adjusted EBITDA -Performance
     Materials
    ----------------------------
    Operating income                                     $(2)           $(5)
    Add:
            Depreciation and amortization (a)             11             13
            Key items (see Table 5)                       17              4
                                                         ---            ---
    Adjusted EBITDA                                      $26            $12
                                                         ===            ===


    Adjusted EBITDA - Consumer Markets
    ----------------------------------
    Operating income                                     $52            $72
    Add:
            Depreciation and amortization                  9             10
            Key items (see Table 5)                        -             (3)
                                                         ---            ---
    Adjusted EBITDA                                      $61            $79
                                                         ===            ===


    Adjusted EBITDA - Distribution
    ------------------------------
    Operating income                                     $17             $8
    Add:
            Depreciation and amortization                  7              7
            Key items (see Table 5)                        6             (3)
                                                         ---            ---
    Adjusted EBITDA                                      $30            $12
                                                         ===            ===

    (a)  Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended
    September 30, 2010 and 2009 excludes $6 million and $3 million of
    accelerated depreciation, respectively, which is displayed as a key
    item within this table.

SOURCE Ashland Inc.



 
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